As we move into the final handful of days before the trade deadline, this week’s matchups have many ace-level talent, playoff implications and fantasy value. Here are
1. Framber Valdez (Astros) vs. Eduardo Rodríguez(Diamondbacks)
Out west in Arizona, the Astros will send Framber Valdez to the mound on Tuesday in Game 2 of the series with the Diamondbacks. Valdez is 10–4 with a 2.75 ERA and will face off against Rodriguez, but Valdez is one of the most consistent starters in the AL and a perfect contrast to Zac Gallen, who struggled in his last outing despite hitting 1,000th strikeout of his career
2. Max Scherzer (Blue Jays) vs. Yankees
The week starts with a big showdown in Toronto on Tuesday, as Max Scherzer makes his Blue Jays debut against the Yankees. Scherzer, 40, signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal in February and is 1–0 with a 4.70 ERA in Toronto. He’s brought life to the Blue Jays, who are 11-0 at home and in first place in the AL East. Expect a pitcher’s duel with plenty of strikeout upside—especially with the Yankees’ potent lineup coming to town.
3. Richard Fitts (Red Sox) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies)
In Philadelphia, the Red Sox and Phillies start their series in the afternoon. Boston sends Richard Fitts (1–3, 4.28 ERA) to the mound while Philadelphia counters with Cristopher Sánchez, 8–2 with a 2.50 ERA and 122 Ks. This interleague matchup offers a great contrast: Sánchez’s dominance vs. a lesser-known but interesting Fitts, so Tuesday’s opener should be a tight pitcher’s duel.
4. Landen Roupp (Giants) vs. Davis Daniel (Braves)
In Atlanta that night, it’s another interleague matchup: Giants’ mid-season workhorse Landen Roupp (6–6, 3.27 ERA) vs. Braves rookie Davis Daniel, who’s been scoreless in his first starts with a 1.80 ERA. With both teams in playoff mode, Daniel vs. a veteran is must-see TV.
5. Casey Mize (Tigers) vs. Mitch Keller (Pirates)
The Tigers-Pirates game has Casey Mize (9-3, 3.15 ERA) against Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.48 ERA) on the mound. Keller didn’t have a good win-loss record, but the ERA and 92 Ks show he has pitched better than that record. Mize is building on a breakout season, so this is a battle of up-and-coming arms.
